Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to review the directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs).
Nigerian Newssphere had reported that President Tinubu recently approved the immediate redeployment of police personnel providing security to VIPs nationwide, explaining that the officers would be reassigned to core community policing duties.
Following the announcement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) dismissed the policy as a mere political gesture. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that the move would not be effectively implemented and would do little to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Despite the criticism, the Nigeria Police Force has commenced implementation of the directive, triggering strong reactions from members of the National Assembly. Several lawmakers have expressed concerns over their personal safety, warning that the decision exposes them to security risks.
Speaking during President Tinubu’s presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at plenary on Friday, Akpabio conveyed the worries of his colleagues and formally appealed to the President.
“Some members of the National Assembly say I should let you know that they may not be able to go home today. We pleaded with the president to review the decision,” the Senate president said.
